The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has disclosed that 14.3 million Nigerians are victims of drug abuse or drug addiction, raising significant concerns about its impact on society.
The agency highlighted the far-reaching consequences of drug abuse, including absenteeism from work or school, poor performance, and neglect of familial responsibilities. It emphasised the urgency of collective efforts to address these societal challenges.
Speaking during the inauguration of the NAFDAC Consumer Safety Club as part of the “NAFDAC Catch-them-young” project at Kishi Community Grammar School in Kishi, Irepo Local Council of Oyo State, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, called for intensified action against drug abuse.
Represented by the agency’s Oyo State Coordinator, Samuel Adeyemi, Adeyeye stressed the importance of collaborative drug demand reduction programmes, particularly among secondary school students. She noted that the inauguration of the NAFDAC Consumer Safety Club was a strategic initiative to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse.
Citing research findings, Adeyeye revealed that one in four high-risk drug users in Nigeria has been arrested for offences such as possession, theft, sex work, burglary, and shoplifting. She warned that the prevalence of unreported crimes underscores the scale of the problem.
She urged teachers to foster a supportive environment for students to ask questions and understand the dangers of drug abuse while promoting behavioural change without judgement.
Adeyeye also encouraged students to become agents of change by using their NAFDAC Consumer Safety Club membership to spread information about the agency’s regulatory activities and advocate against drug abuse, counterfeit drugs, and other harmful practices.
The event featured a presentation by Ms O. Ogunronbi, souvenir distribution to the school authorities, and photo opportunities with NAFDAC delegates and school officials.
